"Everyone was a bit shy and sort of just stood around. When we get to know each other more, everyone will start opening up."

Bookmakers wasted little time in promoting Souths - who were eliminated in this year's preliminary finals under Anthony Seibold - as equal-second favourites alongside Melbourne and behind only the Sydney Roosters for the 2019 premiership.

Sutton, though, doesn't believe the arrival of the game's most-experienced and successful mentor has raised expectations of another title to go with their 2014 success under Michael Maguire.

"All the boys are trying to get fit and ready and making sure they're ready to go for the start of the season," Sutton said.

"Obviously, Wayne's done a lot in this game and I'm just keen on learning underneath him."

But Bennett acknowledges the expectations of Rabbitohs fans and believes the club is well placed to challenge for grand-final glory in his first season in charge.

"It always come down to premierships," he said.

"There's a lot of work in front of us. You need a little bit of luck, a few things to go for you, but the quality of the players are here - the club's here for it.

"I've been really impressed today with the facilities and how it all works here. The staff are really good. I can feel a good comradeship amongst the players, a genuine mateship.